Sept. 10, 2009
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Dozens of former players, fans and supporters, both young and old, returned to campus last weekend for the annual Notre Dame baseball alumni game.
“Honestly, the only thing better than the weather last Saturday was the turnout for the game,” said head coach Dave Schrage. “It was a wonderful day. It was wonderful to get so many people back on campus and exchange such great stories. At the end of the day, I’m not sure who has more fun – the former players or our current team.”
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Recap provided by Charles F. Lennon, ’61, ’62MA
Executive Director, University of Notre Dame Alumni Association
Associate Vice President, University Relations
The ANNUAL NOTRE DAME BASEBALL REUNION GAME, sponsored by the Notre Dame baseball team and the Alumni Association, was held, as it always is, the morning of the first home football game and always at 9:00 am.
One of the unique aspects of the game is that it is not just for former Monogram baseball players. In addition to the monogram players, were players who tried out for the team, players who were cut from their team, baseball fans who supported the baseball program over the years, sons and grandsons, plus the full Notre Dame baseball team who came to interview former players. The game is about tradition and love of the game of baseball.
The starting pitchers this year were former Major League pitcher Jim Hannon ’60, who pitched 3.0 innings and J.P. Gange ’03. Hannon had just finished pitching in the 2009 Cooperstown Hall of Fame game. Dick Nussbaum ’74 and his son Matt ’03 played. Disk is our newest University Trustee. Chuck Lennon ’61, son Kevin and his two sons, Luke and Cal, played.
Back for the game, but not playing were numerous former players, including two sport athletes, Dan McGinn ’65 (punter, LHP). Dan was the first pitcher to start a MLB game outside the USA.
Following the five inning game, all attended the Monogram Club Brunch in the Joyce Center for lunch.
We thank the Monogram Club for hosting the lunch and Notre Dame head coach Dave Schrage and his coaching staff for all of their support.
— ND —